Blink It's a bit like a video surveillance system that can be installed in the blink of an eye (hence its name ;))! The brand made their two-camera system and synchronization module available to me so that I could test it for you.
After a few weeks of use, here is my feedback.
Unpacking and getting started
What's in the box?
No frills in camera packaging Blink but it has the essentials. Obviously, when it comes to the two-camera version, I found two identical Blink cameras… white cameras dedicated to indoor use. There are also options with a single camera, 3 cameras or even 5 cameras… and it is possible to buy additional cameras individually. Finally, there are Blink XT cameras, dedicated to outdoor use.
In the package, we also find the second crucial element of the device: the synchronization module. It is essential because it is in charge of managing the cameras and storing the videos filmed by your cameras.
Finally, to complete the package, there are 2 pairs of AA batteries to power the cameras, 2 mounting systems allowing you to hang your cameras on a wall or ceiling, a USB cable and a wall socket to connect and power the synchronization module.
Start-up
Getting started is probably one of the biggest advantages of this very lightweight device! It only takes a few minutes for your installation to be operational!
The first thing to do will be to download the application Blink Home Monitor available on iOS and Android… it’s where everything happens.
On the application, you will have to register and create an account which will be validated by a confirmation email... classic.
At this point, all you have to do is follow the user wizard to add the synchronization module and then the camera(s). To make things easier for you, the application even gives you the option of scanning the QR codes of the devices to add them rather than entering their serial number! How handy!
Software and Usage
Just like getting started, using Blink is relatively easy. The mobile app is well designed and the settings are relatively intuitive.
You will be able to give a name to each of your cameras in order to better find your way around and refine your organization. Via the application, you will be able to manage different options at the global level or camera by camera.
Activation of the monitoring function according to a weekly schedule is done for the entire device. You can program for each day of the week the times when the monitoring will be activated. It is of course possible to program for the entire week. Small downside, it could be interesting to have a calendar by date allowing to program in advance the monitoring for specific days, weekends or holidays… That said, it is very simple to activate or deactivate the monitoring manually.
At the level of individual cameras taken, it is possible to adjust quite a few things. The first thing to do during installation will be to calibrate the temperature observed by the camera. Because yes, this device gives you the temperature. But for this to be accurate, you will need to place a thermometer near the camera and enter the temperature measured in the camera settings to calibrate it.
It is also in the options that you will be able to monitor the battery level (Blink announces 2 years of autonomy... to be seen), activate the motion detector, adjust the rearming delay, the sensitivity and the duration of the videos captured by the device in the event of motion detection.
You will also find options regarding LED lighting in case of night intrusion, audio activation, WiFi signal quality, etc.
Among the important features From the Blink Home Monitor app, you will also find the possibility to watch live what is happening at home… practical to check that everything is going well!
Finally, it is via the application that you will receive push alerts with a link to the video in the event of an intrusion detected by the system.
With a resolution of 720p (1080 for the Blink XT) these cameras are of very good quality (for surveillance cameras, eh) and offer a viewing angle wide enough to view an entire room.
It is not the camera itself that is responsible for detecting presence but a sensor present on the housing. The interest of this technical choice is twofold: fewer false detections and increased battery life.
The fact that these cameras run on batteries and have a long battery life is a plus for me. One of the main advantages of Blink compared to other systems. Since there is no need to plug these cameras in, it is much easier to find a discreet place for them or to mount them on a wall!
On the negative side, My biggest regret comes from the fact that the device can only be controlled from the dedicated mobile application. It would have been interesting and more comfortable to be able to manage the cameras and view the videos on your computer.
Finally, for the more connected, Blink is compatible with Amazon Alexa and works with IFTT to trigger specific actions.
Conclusion
The Blink monitoring device is a very good alternative to the much more complex and obviously more expensive home automation boxes. It finds many advantages in the simplicity of its start-up and its ease of configuration and use.
Characteristics
Blink Camera
- Video: 720p, H.264 encoding
- Imaging: Color, auto white balance, auto exposure
- Motion detection: Camera sensitivity adjustment up to 6 meters
- Battery: 2 AA Lithium batteries
- Battery life: 2 years for normal use
- Night vision : Visible white LED
- Temperature sensor: Yes
- Audio: integrated microphone
- Fields of vision: 110 degrés
- Focal length spectrum: Fixed (from 50 cm to infinity)
- Dimensions: 71 x 71 x 30 mm
Synchronization module
- Wireless : 2.4GHz 802.11n
- Processor and memory: Qualcomm-Atheros 9331, 32 MB memory
- Dimensions: 62 x 59 x 18 mm
Price and availability
Blink (for indoor use) is available on Blink website in several versions:
- Single camera system + Synchronization module for €169.99
- Dual Camera System + Synchronization Module for €279.99
- Three-camera system + synchronization module for €389.99
- Five-camera system + synchronization module for €599.99
Blink XT (for outdoor use) is available on Blink website in several versions:
- Single camera system + Synchronization module for €189.99
- Dual Camera System + Synchronization Module for €319.99
- Three-camera system + synchronization module for €449.99
- Five-camera system + synchronization module for €699.99
